DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE (DUI/DWI)

Driving under the influence (DUI/DWI), commonly referred to as driving while intoxicated (DWI), is an extremely complex area of the law. The attorneys at Goff Voltin, PLLC have experience and a strong foundation of knowledge regarding DUI/DWI laws. Our lawyers have handled numerous DUI/DWI cases and have spent countless hours reviewing the code to better understand the intricacies of these offenses.

Simply put, DUI/DWI is the operation of a motor vehicle while under the influence of an intoxicating substance. While alcohol is most commonly associated with DUI/DWI, other drugs and intoxicating substances may also result in a charge.

Legal Definitions of DUI/DWI

A DUI/DWI offense involves driving or operating a motor vehicle (car, motorcycle, ATV, riding lawn mower, etc.) while:

(1) having a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08 grams or more per 210 liters;
(2) being under the influence of alcohol, narcotics, intoxicants, or drugs to a degree that impairs the driver’s ability to operate a motor vehicle;
(3) having a blood concentration of any of the following substances at or above the legal limit:

• 0.02 milligrams of cocaine per liter of blood;
• 0.1 milligrams of methamphetamine (commonly referred to as “meth”) per liter of blood;
• 0.01 milligrams of phencyclidine (commonly referred to as “PCP” or “angel dust”) per liter of blood;
• 0.1 milligrams of 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (commonly referred to as “MDMA” or “ecstasy”) per liter of blood.

Anyone can face criminal charges, and a conviction can have lasting effects on a person’s record and future. Because of this, it is important to understand what you are facing. If you have a criminal law charge in Newport News, Hampton, Williamsburg, Yorktown, or anywhere in the Hampton Roads area, contact the criminal defense attorneys at Goff Voltin, PLLC today.